How to Use Full Spectrum Hemp Oil in the Kitchen

There are many ways to use full spectrum hemp oil. Since it is rich with cannabinoids, vitamins and minerals, and essentials fats and proteins, it makes a great nutritional source and can add flavor to many dishes. Let’s explore some ways to incorporate full spectrum hemp oil in the kitchen.

What is Full Spectrum Hemp Oil?

Full Spectrum Hemp Oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. It is then mixed with a carrier oil, in our case MCT oil, before it is sold. It is often used for all of the compounds working together for the desired effects. This is known as, “The Entourage Effect”. Choose a broad spectrum hemp oil instead if you want to avoid THC entirely. However, when it comes to the use of hemp in the kitchen, many people are using it for the other nutritious compounds. What are they? 

Vitamins and Minerals

The hemp plant is full of healthy vitamins that are beneficial for the body, including vitamins A, C, and E;  as well as B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. It also has vitamins that are often underrepresented in modern diets, such as beta-carotene. 

Minerals, like magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and calcium can also be found in hemp. They provide natural benefits for the bones, blood, nerves and metabolic function. 

Essential Fats and Proteins

Full Spectrum hemp oil is a great source of plant-based protein and is not high in saturated fats. Additionally, it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids and also contains fatty acids. Essential amino acids are important in our diets because they are not naturally produced by the body.

Cooking With Full Spectrum Hemp Oil

Be careful when applying heat! Excessive temperatures can cause hemp extract oil to lose its potency or can convert it into a different molecule. During manufacturing, CBD is extracted from the hemp plant as CBDA. Once extracted, heat is applied through a process called decarboxylation to activate that molecule and transform it into CBD. When you buy CBD oil (full or broad spectrum), since it is already in the desired form, you do not want to add too much additional heat or you may convert it into another substituent molecule.

Because of this, people often use CBD oil as a finishing touch on meals. Try adding it to your favorite salad dressing, mixing it into a smoothie, or garnishing your avocado toast. The hemp flavor works well with both sweet and savory flavors.

There are a few things to keep in mind, however, which we’ll go into below:

Do Your Research - Dial in Your Dosing

Just as you wouldn’t want to rush into taking too much of a certain medicine or nutritional supplement, you don’t want to overdo it on the full spectrum hemp oil. 

Start Low, and Go Slow

Starting low and going slow is wise advice for the consumption of hemp oil. You don’t know how it will effect you and in what doses. Start with a small dose, around 5-10mg and scale up or down as needed once you know how your body reacts. 

Let Its Natural Flavor Shine

Hemp oil has a natural taste that is very nutty and earthy, and you’ll quickly come to love it. 

Some flavors pair particularly well with CBD products. Some of these include citrus and pine; peppers and other spices; sharp spices like cinnamon, mint, ginger and cloves; herbs like basil,  rosemary, oregano, sage and thyme; tart flavors like vinegar and tomatoes. Also a number of drinks go well with CBD. 

Want to bring your hemp oil to the kitchen? Here are 4 delicious CBD-infused recipes to try out!

CBD-Infused Smoothie: Green Machine

Green smoothies commonly get a bad rap for not being the best-tasting, but that doesn’t have to be the case - green smoothies don’t have to taste green! Many people choose to use spinach in their green smoothies, but we prefer to use kale for the simple fact that it is one of the most nutrient-packed foods. When blended together with super fruit and other naturally sweeter ingredients, the somewhat bitter taste of the kale can be masked. Check out our recipe for an awesome green smoothie, packed with wellness benefits. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup fresh kale 
• 1 cup frozen pineapple 
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• ½ banana 
• 1 scoop vanilla plant protein powder
• 1 cup coconut water 
• 1 mL of Naternal Full Spectrum CBD oil

Instructions: Simply toss all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and mint. 

No-Bake CBD Energy Balls 

These are something that all members of the family will enjoy and they are great for on-the-go. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a little afternoon energy boost or a healthy alternative to your occasional cookie, our No-Bake CBD Energy Bites will be your new go to. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat and offer a lot of room for ingredient customization! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup rolled oats 
• ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter if you prefer) 
• ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• ½ cup ground flax seed
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1 mL of Naternal Broad Spectrum 2400mg CBD oil 

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together using your hands. Cover mixture and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. Separate out the mixture into bite-sized portions and roll into balls. Store energy balls in an air-tight container in the fridge. 

*Makes approximately 12 energy balls: Will contain 5-7mg of CBD per ball - suggested serving size 1-3 balls*

Lemon CBD Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

If you’re looking for a light vinaigrette that’s full of flavor, then look no further than this lemon dressing. It’s tangy and citrusy all in one and can truly be used on more than just salads!

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar 
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons juice and 3 teaspoons zest) 
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced oregano 
• 1 mL Naternal Full Spectrum CBD Oil 

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake until well-mixed or combine all ingredients in a blender/food processor and pulse until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours prior to serving to allow for flavors to mix. 

Source: https://wholefully.com/healthy-salad-dressing-recipes/

CBD-Infused Guacamole 

Have you ever been to a party where they didn’t serve guacamole? Probably not! Avocados are a staple in a balanced diet, mainly because they are a great source of vitamins and healthy fats. If you’re looking for a new take on your next party dip, look no further than this CBD-infused guacamole recipe! 

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded 
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt 
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped 
• 2 small tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced 
• ½ jalapeno pepper, finely chopped 
• 1 mL of Naternal Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Instructions: Put avocados in a larger bowl and use a fork to mash. Add salt, cayenne pepper, onion, tomatoes, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice and CBD oil into mashed avocado and stir well to combine. Cover and let guacamole sit at room temperature for 2 hours before serving.